Catchfence

With Thank A Teacher Today Returning as Primary
Sponsor, Driver Aims to Play Spoiler Role at Richmond

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (September 7, 2011) - With schools across the country opening their doors to the new year, Security Benefit is proudly returning to the track with its familiar Thank A Teacher Today primary colors on the Phoenix Racing Chevrolet. Landon Cassill will pilot the No. 51 Thank a Teacher Today Impala for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 at the action-packed .75-mile Richmond (Va.) International Raceway (RIR).

Cassill has two previous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) starts at RIR. In NASCAR Nationwide Series competition, Cassill has made four starts. His best finish was 12th, which he accomplished in 2008 driving for JR Motorsports.

In his three NSCS starts at short tracks this season, Cassill’s best result came at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway when he took the checkered flag in 26th place.

Phoenix Racing has 12 NSCS starts at Richmond. Their best finish came with Mike Wallace behind the wheel in 2004. He captured seventh place after starting in the 41st position.

Cassill comments on racing at Richmond:

“This is a really big week for the Thank A Teacher Today program. After Labor Day weekend, most of our schools are back in session and beginning their school year. It’s important for us to recognize all of the hard work and dedication that they’ll be pouring into their students over the next 10 months. I hope that our teachers enjoyed their well-deserved summer break. It’s back to school now, and I want to make sure we remember to support their efforts.

“This is a big race, the last one before we set our playoffs. We may not be in a position to race for a playoff spot, but we can get this car and program a lot of exposure if we run up front. Hopefully we can play spoiler and get this program a lot of coverage.

“I like going to Richmond, too. The track is called ‘racing perfection’ and it would be hard to argue that. It’s got short track action, but it’s fast like a superspeedway. It really has the best of both worlds.

“With it being the last chance for everyone to make the Chase, you’re going to see a crazy race. Drivers will be pushing the envelope and taking chances. I have a feeling it will be a fireworks show. It’s going to be important for me to be alert and ready for anything. Our team plans to race smart and make sure we’re there at the end. If we do that, we’ll get a good finish with our Thank A Teacher Today Chevrolet”

About Security Benefit:

Security Benefit is a Guggenheim Partners Company. It’s proud to support Phoenix Racing’s No. 51 Chevrolet, driven by Landon Cassill, and encourages everyone to Thank a Teacher Today. Security Benefit is a leading provider of retirement plan services throughout the nation, primarily in the education marketplace, and offers a variety of compelling and customized fixed and variable annuity products. Its se2 division is an award-winning and nationally recognized provider of administrative services for the insurance and financial services industry. Rydex|SGI, its asset management firm, offers institutional investors and financial intermediaries a broad spectrum of traditional and alternative investment strategies in separate accounts, mutual funds and ETFs. To learn more, go to www.securitybenefit.com and follow Security Benefit Racing on Facebook.

About Phoenix Racing:

Formed in 1989, Phoenix Racing, Inc. (PRI) specializes in providing vertically integrated NASCAR racing teams for companies who wish to capitalize on the tremendous commercial success of our sport. The unprecedented growth in NASCAR has provided our business with the resources to assemble highly competitive teams, a state of the art facility, and the personnel to build a successful future.

PRI’s focus is the development of driver through relationship building with potential sponsors. We help our sponsors achieve their marketing objectives by delivering performance on the track as well as supporting additional marketing efforts.

- Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release